Crimes Against Children in 19th-Century Vienna
The sexual exploitation of minors, or pedophilia, was also a common crime in the first half of the 19th century, and quite a few children fell victim to it at that time. The City of Vienna collected taxes at the city gates, a task for which certain tax officials were responsible.
Crime Case in Vienna: A Gruesome Discovery in the City Moat
One day in January 1842, a financial regulatory agency discovered a child covered in blood in the city moat. During the investigation, the boy’s identity was established—a process that dragged on because his parents had not reported him missing. Eventually, the detectives came across a middle-aged woman who was believed to be the dead boy’s mother. The Viennese woman testified that her son had not returned home from a walk with his uncle, the painter’s apprentice Karl Feid.
The investigation takes a new turn
At first, the police had no interest in looking into the man, who also did not have a good relationship with the mother of the murdered boy. She also mentioned a missing coat. It was only after a witness sent a letter to police headquarters that the detectives’ investigation turned its focus to the disreputable handyman. The man regularly borrowed money from relatives and committed petty thefts to finance his lifestyle, which also included regular alcohol consumption.
A Shocking Confession
Since the Viennese man was once again short on money, he wanted to offer his eight-year-old nephew to a man for lewd acts. The boy refused and screamed loudly for help. The situation at the Mölkerbastei, which at the time was considered a notorious hotspot for such crimes, threatened to escalate. In a panic, Karl Feid grabbed his nephew and pushed him into the 19-meter-deep abyss in front of the city wall. He followed him, covered the screaming child’s mouth, and then took his coat to sell it.
Sentence and Execution
After his arrest, the painter’s apprentice confessed to the crime. The court sentenced him to death by hanging.
Time Travel Tip:
The Mölkerbastei remains as a striking remnant of the former city wall, from which one can get a sense of the depth of the former city moat.
Author:
Michael Ellenbogen
Sources:
Tartaruga Ubald, Der Wiener Pitaval, ed. Seyrl Harald, Edition Seyrl, 413 pages, ISBN 3-901697-08-X, Vienna-Scharnstein, 2000
